Featuring selections from History San José’s extensive textile collection, this exhibit explores the fashion industry, and its unintended consequences and victims, with a particular focus on San Jose. The rise of commercial shopping is documented, from the 19th century woolen mills, to downtown department stores, and the burgeoning shopping centers on the outskirts of town. We’ll touch on labor conditions in the industry creating these “to die for” fashions, as well as the dangerous — and sometimes lethal — chemicals used in fabrics and manufacturing processes. In addition, the innocent victims — animals — are highlighted and given their due. Throughout, the focus is on eye-catching and locally-produced pieces from our textile collection.